Lewis Hamilton has been fined for breaching Formula 1’s safety belt regulations while celebrating his Brazilian Grand Prix victory.
Mercedes was summoned to the stewards after Hamilton was seen undoing his belts while heading back to the pits at the end of the race.
He had charged from 10th on the grid to beat F1 championship rival Max Verstappen to the race win, and picked up a Brazilian flag on the slowing-down lap as part of his celebrations.
The stewards ruled that he had breached Article 4 of the FIA International Sporting Code, but were satisfied that it only merited a fine rather than any punishment that affected the outcome of the race.
Hamilton has therefore been fined €5000, with a further €20,000 suspended fine in place until the end of 2022.
“While the stewards are sympathetic to the desire to celebrate, it is fundamentally unsafe to undo the seatbelts while the car is in motion,” read the stewards’ verdict.
“Slow speeds in these cars are very fast for an unrestrained occupant.
“Further, Formula 1 drivers set the example for junior categories.
“It is critical that junior category drivers learn the importance of using all the safety devices of the car at all times.”
Hamilton’s Interlagos win brings him back to within 14 points of Verstappen in the world championship with three races remaining.
